ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh today .
Later in the evening, the President attended a civic reception, hosted in her honour, at Punjab Raj Bhavan.
Addressing the gathering the President said that from social and religious reforms to freedom struggle, from agricultural revolution to industrial development, this region of Punjab and Haryana has played a very important role. The states of which Chandigarh is the capital have made a leading contribution in the development of Indian agriculture. In the 1960s, when our country was going through a food crisis, the farmers of Punjab and Haryana made the Green Revolution a success. The Green Revolution ensured the food security of the country.
The President said that Chandigarh has special significance for both Punjab - the state of five rivers, and Haryana - the cradle of Shrimad Bhagavad-Gita. It has the distinction of being the capital of both the states. People from both the states come to Chandigarh for education, employment, medical and many other reasons. Therefore, Chandigarh occupies a very important place in the lives of people of Punjab and Haryana.
The President said that every year, during the winter season, the issue related to the Air Quality Index gets discussed all over the country, especially in this region. Everyone suffers from the ill-effects of pollution. She said that the fundamental basis of the Indian way of life has been the harmony of humans with nature. The well-being of mankind lies in the art of living with nature.
The President said that along with the UT of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana have been endowed with many unique gifts by nature. It is our duty to cherish them. We should leave all those ways, which are not in accordance with nature, and through which pollution spreads. This applies to all of us. We should also take the help of science and technology in creating harmony with nature.
Speaking about women empowerment, the President said that in Indian culture we worship divinity in the form of Durga, Laxmi, Kaali and Chandi. We pray Gramdevi before entering our villages. She said that men and women are two equal stakeholders of our country. They should be given equal opportunities to move ahead. She noted that today women are marching forward in all areas with determination and hard work. In villages also nowadays girls are being given more opportunities to study and make their careers. From serving in border areas to being fighter plane pilots the women are today present everywhere. She said that it is the responsibility of society to encourage both girls and boys to move forward in life so that our country can march ahead.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 143.15 Cr
More than 64 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.40% is highest since March 2020
9,195 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 77,002
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 45 days
With the administration of 64,61,321 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 143.15 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,52,69,126 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,87,197
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|
2nd Dose
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96,94,283
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FLWs
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|
1st Dose
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1,83,85,217
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2nd Dose
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1,68,62,710
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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49,64,04,904
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2nd Dose
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32,31,01,947
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
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|
1st Dose
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|
19,38,12,980
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|
2nd Dose
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|
14,80,52,758
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Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,09,96,702
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
9,38,36,943
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|
Total
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|
1,43,15,35,641
The recovery of 7,347 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,42,51,292.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40%, highest since March 2020.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for last 62 days now.
9,195 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 77,002. Active cases constitute 0.22% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 11,67,612 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 67.52 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.68% remains less than 1% for the last 45 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be 0.79%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below 2% for last 86 days and below 3% for 121 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Defence
STATEMENT BY INDIAN ARMY
General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, MrsMadhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today on 08 Dec.
General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defenceorganisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations.
Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone.
The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces.
_________________________________________________________________
SC/VBY/KRC
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Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves raising of additional share capital of M/s. HDFC Bankup to a maximum of Rs. 24,000 crore
Composite foreign shareholding in the bank limited to 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for grant of permission to M/s. HDFC Bank Ltd. to raise additional share capital of up to a maximum of Rs. 24,000 crore, including premium, over and above the previous approved limit of Rs. 10,000 crore, such that the composite foreign shareholding in the Bank shall not exceed 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank.
The decision would ensure that the composite foreign shareholding in the bank inclusive of all types of foreign investments, both direct and indirect, will not exceed 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank. It will be subject to Foreign Direct Investment Policy conditionalities and other sectoral regulations / guidelines.
The proposed investment is expected to strengthen the capital adequacy ratio of the bank.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Atrocities against Minorities
“Public Order and “Police” are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The responsibility of maintaining law and order, registration and prosecution of crimes against all citizens including minorities, rests with the respective State Governments. As such, specific data regarding attacks against individual community is not maintained centrally.
Government of India monitors the internal security and law and order situation in the country and issues appropriate advisories from time to time to maintain peace, public tranquillity and communal harmony. Central Armed Police Forces  are deployed to aid and assist State Governments, on their request, to maintain law and order and public tranquillity.
Government of India has issued communal Harmony Guidelines, which, inter-alia lay down standard operating procedure to deal with situations arising out of any violence. These guidelines are aimed to maintain due vigilance, careful planning and preparatory measures to prevent and pre-empt communal or any such type of violence.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Linking of Farmer Identity  with Agristack Data
The Department has constituted a High Level Task Force, which is in the process of finalizing “India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture  report. Task Force invited comments from subject experts, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations  and general public and considered them. Based on this, the Department is in the process of finalizing a framework for creating Agristack in the country, which will serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions leveraging digital technologies to contribute effectively towards increasing the income of farmers and improve efficiency of the Agriculture sector in the country. Once finalized, this can serve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions leveraging technologies to contribute effectively towards increasing the income of farmers and improve farm efficiency/efficiency of the Agriculture sector in the country with an overall goal of Doubling of Farmers’ Incomes. A federated farmers’ database is being built by the Department and once completed, this would serve as the core of the Agristack.
As of now, the federated database is being built by taking the publicly available data as existing in the Department and in various data silos in Government.
The Department is reaching out to farmers of the country through various digital platforms including websites and mobile applications.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Minister of State, I&B, Dr L. Murugan calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. L. Murugan made a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This was his first call on to the Prime Minister after becoming Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha.
Dr Murugan presented a copy of the book “Thirukkural- Pearls of Inspiration” to the Prime Minister and sought guidance from him to work diligently under his dynamic leadership for the welfare of people of New India.
(Saurabh Singh
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Uttarakhand is the birthplace of Yoga: Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan
Yoga instructors are our cultural ambassadors to the world: Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Woes of unmitigated migration can be remedied by increased earnings through productive Animal Husbandry: Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying participated in ‘Yogotsav’ and addressed the countdown function for the International Day of Yoga 2022 in Rishikesh today.
Addressing the gathering at Gangaghat, Dr Balyan said that Uttarakhand is the birthplace of Yoga and that there could not be a better place to celebrate its rejuvenation. The Union Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put Yoga on the world map. The Yoga instructors from our nation have been our cultural ambassadors to the world. He added that the international community now recognises the value of Yoga in promoting physical and psychological well-being.
The Union Minister said that the government is celebrating a 100 days countdown to International Day of Yoga in 100 cities from 13th March to 21st June 2022. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is celebrating ‘Yogotsav’ today in Somnath, Rishikesh, Kanyakumari. The Union Minister appealed to the people to adopt Yoga as a way of life.
Speaking about the issues afflicting the state of Uttarakhand, Dr Balyan said that migration away from the hills can be ameliorated by supplementing agriculture with animal husbandry. He added that the Union Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has come a long way from 2014 when the overall budget was Rs 1500 crore to today when a sub-scheme for vaccination against foot & mouth disease has an outlay of Rs 12500 crore. He exhorted the farmers present at the celebration to benefit from the schemes providing a 50% subsidy for starting breeding farms for livestock. Dr Balyan said that the Union Government stands firmly behind the livestock farmer community of Uttarakhand and will provide all possible support for its growth.
Prior to the Yoga session, Dr Balyan visited ‘Pashulok’ Farm and inaugurated State Goat and Sheep Lab under National Livestock Mission. He also interacted with a delegation of progressive livestock farmers. The event was also attended by the cabinet ministers of the Uttarakhand government Sh Subodh Uniyal and Sh Sourabh Bahuguna.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & PD, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan interacts with Industry representatives on key provisions of CCPA and rules under the New Consumer Protection Act
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today interacted with Industry representatives to discuss threadbare the key provisions of the Central Consumer Protection Authority and the rules and regulations which are being formed under the New Consumer Protection Act. Various Industry bodies and representatives such as FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CII, DICCI, Amazon, HUL, P&G, Vodafone, Snapdeal, Zomato, PAYTM etc took part in the discussions and agreed to work together for providing consumers quality products and services. Shri Paswan stated that the Consumer Protection Act 2019 has simplified rules for quick resolution of consumer disputes in various consumer dispute redressal commissions.
The Union Minister said that to prevent unnecessary long litigations, Mediation has been introduced in all Commissions. The industry representatives hailed Mediation as a time and resource saving mechanism for better satisfaction of consumers. To stop prolonged litigation, restrictions on number of appeals have been provided in the Act. Shri Paswan said the good thing was that everyone unanimously hailed the new Consumer Protection Act and all decided to work together for betterment of consumers. The Industry representatives also agreed to strengthen their self-regulatory mechanism and provide all possible help to the Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Union Minister stressed on the need to regulate e – commerce and direct selling as at present there is no regulatory body for these sectors and online purchases are increasing every day. Shri Paswan specifically mentioned about the process of grievance redressal by National Consumer Helpline and Zonal helplines in resolving consumer grievances. He said Increasing number of consumers are using Consumer App for registering complaints and has been a great success. This App is being monitored in the Ministry. Shri Paswan concluded by saying that, Involvement of trade and industry, civil society organizations and above all consumer themselves is vital to keep a check on the practice of unfair trade in the years to come.
Addressing the media after the interaction, Shri Paswan said that an investigative wing is envisaged to be formed under the aegis of CCPA, which shall carry out inquiries and investigations in matters relating to consumer rights, unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. The district collectors have also been empowered to conduct investigations that affect interests of consumer as a class under CPA 2019, under the aegis of CCPA. The establishment of a central authority and initiating action as a class comes as an additional mode of relief which can be exercised along with individual consumers filing complaints to address their grievances thereby having two parallel proceedings.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Medical treatment facility for CGHS Beneficiaries in States
Central Government has not issued any guidelines to State Governments to provide medical treatment to the Central Government Pensioners who have valid CGHS Cards. Central government pensioners having valid CGHS cards, which are issued on payment of subscription as prescribed from time to time, are eligible to avail hospitalization care at any of the private hospitals empanelled under CGHS and central government hospitals. Further, provision for availing treatment at hospitals empanelled under Central Services Rules, 1944/ Employees Contributory Health Scheme by CGHS pensioner beneficiaries and their dependent eligible family members already exists under the scheme.
No permission is required for treatment in any State-run hospitals and any expenditure incurred for treatment at such hospitals is reimbursed under CGHS as per extant rules.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Arjun Munda along with the Lieutenant Governor and tribal people will listen to the 100th edition of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program at Andaman Raj Niwas tomorrow
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda met the members of the Tribal Council of Car Nicobar on the third day of his four-day visit to Andaman.
Minister encouraged the tribals to take all steps for marketing virgin coconut oil produced on the island through TRIFED.
On the third day of his four-day visit to Andaman, Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, met the Chairman, Secretary, and members of the Tribal Council of Car Nicobar.
Discussions were held on the overall welfare of the tribes. During the discussion, the tribal communities also spoke about actively promoting sports like cycling, football, and kayaking.
Further, the Minister encouraged the tribals to take all steps for marketing virgin coconut oil produced on the island through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation .
Union Minister planted a Rudraksh sapling on the premises of Circuit House, Campbell bay today. Great Nicobar Island has a native population of Rudraksh, a very sacred plant.
Members of the Tribal Advisory Council from Nancowry group of islands, belonging to Nicobarese tribe called on Shri Arjun Munda during his 4- day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands today.
Tribal Advisory Council is traditionally elected body looking after the welfare of the local people. Every village in the tribal area is having a village council headed by 1st captain and who is assisted by 2nd and 3rd captain.
Village Council does play an important role in day-to-day life. They are the link between the local administration and the tribal people of the island.
A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Smt. R Jaya, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Shri Biswajit Das, DDG, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Vaibhav Goyal, Director, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Adviser, MoTA, and officials from concerned departments of District Administration were present. The discussion focused on the functions of TSP, STC, and the implementation of the PVTG mission.
On Sunday, April 30, the last day of his four-day Andaman visit, Shri Arjun Munda will call on the Lieutenant Governor at Raj Niwas and isten t the 100th edition of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program at Raj Niwas.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Remembering the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation."
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Clarification regarding National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021
This is with regard to the recently published news articlein a newspaper stating that patients of rare diseases will get treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Government. In this regard, it is to clarify that in the recently notified “National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021”, there is a provision for financial support upto Rs. 20 lakhs under the Umbrella Scheme of Rastriya Arogya Nidhi for treatment, of those rare diseases that require a one-time treatment . Beneficiaries for such financial assistance would not be limited to BPL families, but the benefit would be extended to about 40% of the population, who are eligible under Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana . This financial support for treatment of rare diseases is proposed under the Umbrella Scheme of Rastriya Arogya Nidhi  and not under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY.
Besides, the Rare Diseases Policy also envisages a crowdfunding mechanism in which corporates and individuals will be encouraged to extend financial support through a robust IT platform for treatment of rare diseases. Funds so collected will be utilized by Centres of Excellence for treatment of all three categories of rare diseases as a first charge and the balance financial resources can also be used for research.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
“Holy city of Varanasi is today one of the most sought after destinations”, says Dr. Jitendra Singh
MoS  launches GoAir’s direct flight linking Delhi and Varanasi
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region , Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh has said the holy city of Varanasi is today one of the most sought after destinations, not only for religious tourism but also for exploring tourists.
“In the last five-six years after the Government headed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiassumed office, Varanasi has been bestowed the pride of place which it was worthy of”, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, while launching the inaugural flight of GoAir from Delhi to Varanasi, here today. “Varanasi district has undergone so much development and beautification that it is difficult to believe without seeing and experiencing it,” he added.
The Minister said Varanasi is the face of India’s ancient civilization and culture. “Religious domestic tourists of course do come to Varanasi, but hordes of foreigners also throng to thisholy city to experience and study India’s ancient civilization and culture”, said Dr. Jitendra Singh. “The visit creates a natural bonding between the visitor and India’s rich heritage and culture”, he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also complimented the airlines for launching another flight today to Varanasi from Ahmedabad. “What a lovely coincidence that the Prime Minister’s constituency and his home state are being connected today by a direct flight”, he remarked.
On the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh asked the airlines management to consider launching a late evening flight from Jammu to Delhi.